in Kumaun as instruments played in marching bands were assimilated into the wide range of instruments played. Woodwind instruments like the nausuriya muruli (नौसुरिया मुरूली) (lit. the nine note flute) akind of flute and jyonya (ज्योंया) (lit. twin flute) a type of double flute native to Kumaun is also played. Attire Donning the traditional Kumauni attire white churidar payajama, the taanka on their heads, the chola, face covered with sandal wood paste as if ready for battle equipped with tulwar swords and brass shields. Their costume resembles the costume of the ancient martial warriors that inhabited Kumaun. Features Accompanied by war-like music, equipped with swords they dance in a perfectly synchronized manner while engaging in mock fights with their fellow dancers. Carrying the triangular red flag the "nishana" (निसाण), (banners), waving their swords, with fiery expressions on the faces they give the impression of warriors going to battle. There are 22 men in a full team of Chholiya dancers 8 of them are the sword dancers and the rest 14 are musicians. Forms The following are the forms of Chholiya popular all over Kumaun which differ in movements Bisu nritya (बिसू नृत्य ) Saraanv (mock fights) (सरांव) Rann Nritya (lit. war dance) (रण नृत्य) Sarankar (सरंकार) Veerangna (वीरांगना) depanshu (दीपांशु) Chholiya Baja (छोलिया बाजा) Shauka Shaili (शौका शैली) native to Johar region of Kumaun Paitan Baja (पैटण बाजा) References The Himalayan Gazetter by E. T. Atkinson The History of Kumaun by B. D. Pandey Kumaon division Culture of Uttarakhand Dances of India Indian folk dances Dance in Nepal Khas culture Nepalese folk dances Culture of Sudurpashchim Culture of Karnali